Lack of Medical Staff and Outpatient Clinic Performance During the Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The Pandemics has severely impacted the healthcare sector, particularly outpatient clinics, which faced challenges in managing staff shortages while maintaining service delivery. Healthcare organizations, including small and medium-sized outpatient clinics, had to quickly adapt to pandemic-related demands, such as PANDEMIC testing, while managing a decline in non-urgent care. Staff management and resource allocation became particularly difficult during this period.
Methods: This study employed a multiple case study methodology to explore the impact of the Pandemics on the allocation of medical staff and clinic performance. The sample consisted of five outpatient clinics, including one medium-sized clinic actively involved in PANDEMIC -related services and four small clinics that continued regular operations.
Results: The study revealed contrasting approaches to the pandemic’s challenges. Case 1, the clinic involved in pandemic-related services, saw a 39% increase in sales . The clinic’s financial performance improved despite initial staffing challenges, including reluctance among some staff members to transition to new roles. In contrast, Case 2, which suspended most of its operations, saw a decline in revenue and profitability, despite receiving public financial support.
Conclusion: The pandemic underscored the critical role of staff allocation and flexible operational strategies in maintaining clinic performance. Clinics that adapted to the pandemic by diversifying services saw significant revenue increases, while those that limited operations faced financial difficulties. The findings highlight the importance of strategic workforce management and the potential benefits of diversifying services in responding to healthcare crises.